What is periodontitis?

• Траяна Камбарева •Interesting, Periodontology

Periodontitis is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth (ligaments and bones).

Plaque and tartar build up at the base of the tooth, pulling the gum away. This leads to infection.

The symptoms are:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing and pressure may be painless. Healthy gums are pink and “tucked” around the tooth. If yours are “soft,” red, or purple, you are likely to have periodontitis.
  • Bad breath or taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums and the formation of deep pockets between the gum and the tooth
  • Loose or wobbly teeth.

Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Approximately 15% in the 21-50 age group and over 30% over 50 years of age.

Treatment:

Treatment of this disease will reduce inflammation, heal the pockets that have formed around the tooth, and, of course, thoroughly clean tartar and plaque. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease. Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and your overall health. Options range from non-surgical methods to surgery to restore the tissues supporting the tooth. Tartar and plaque removal must be done periodically to prevent periodontitis from recurring. If not treated in time, the disease can cause tooth loss, ulcers, infections, abscesses, and an increased risk of heart disease. The bacteria that inflame the gums can enter the bloodstream and be carried to other organs and the heart. In the liver, they can trigger the production of C-reactive proteins, which are a predictor of increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

What causes gum disease?

In addition to plaque buildup on the teeth, there are other factors that can cause periodontitis:

  • Hormonal changes – during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, menstrual cycle. The gums become more sensitive and inflammation can develop more easily.
  • Diseases such as cancer, AIDS, etc., in which the immune system is very weak
  • Medications. Taking certain medications reduces saliva production, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
  • Heredity. If you have parents or relatives with this disease, there is a high probability that you will also develop it.

The good news is that with regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene (to which we can add quitting smoking, reducing stress, and eating right), periodontitis can be cured.